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Build your Business: The Power of Words
Words are powerful, strong and mighty
Words can soothe, the power of a mother's voice
Sending a restless child into sleep
Enveloping it into safety till the morning
Words of a friend that support when you are most
in need of a hand underneath your elbow.
The power of a simple conversation over dinner
with a friend, making you smile
Words are powerful, are like gems that glow in the dark
Words are powerful, weapons even at times
The words of a colleague in a vitriolic email
without cause or justification
Words that show lack of understanding how words
should be used to build, not destroy.
Words of anger or panic, strewn on paper
and send the world into turmoil,
whereas words could have been chosen
to show hope and opportunity such power
Words are powerful even in their absence,
Silence where words were needed to communicate
and assist, in times of need.
No words where a few would have
simply placated the group, left standing in line for hours
without any guidance as to why.
Lack of care and consideration showing through lack of words.
Words should be used with care, should be chosen with reason
Not simply strewn into the air.
Words are your weapon, but like any weapon
they can be used to do much good, or to harm.
Make sure you approach your words with care,
be they spoken or written
They exist long after you do, and shape the memory you leave behind
Make every word count, and make it count in a positive way
Marion
Edited: Aug 20th, 2009
Comments
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- Feb 8th, 2009
Mike Wittenstein
Marion makes so many good points. A lifetime of experience in a single blog post ;-) I'd like to add that the same holds true for stories. Stories travel differently than words, however. Stories hold not only the words, but the connections between them. As they are shared (as they 'travel') they provide context, structure, and meaning to those who hear them. As the context can sometimes be more important than the content, create them with care and spread them wisely. Mike Wittenstein www.storyminers.com www.mikewittenstein.com Co-author of "Go Away!" An upcoming new customer-experience book from Storyminers, the authorities on building a healthier bottom line through designing an exemplary customer experience. -
- Feb 8th, 2009
Hazem Gamal
...it's what is listened that matters in the end. Whether it is a single word you utter or a story that you weave, ultimately how you are being listened to is what really matters. Even if you say nothing your listener will create their own interpretations of what you are not saying. You don't have to speak to be listened to. I often catch my staff listening for something from me before I realize that I need to say something! Read that again. I don't mean to take away anything from the intent of what is being said or the speaker either - but when it comes to business, you must speak to best help your listeners understand what you are trying to get them to do with you. Language is what makes us human and how well we use it defines how successfully we can work with others and create new and better situations. As Marion poetically outlined, and Mike pointed out that context and story are also important, words are what make the world go round. Speak your words within the context of your listeners and tell them a story that will have them be in a better place with you. -
- Feb 10th, 2009
Stephanie Frasco
That is a beautiful poem Marion! You are very talented indeed. The words you leave are an imprint on the world. They are immortal and ever-lasting.